I don't like boos from my own fans, admits VVD after another outing to forget

Virgil van Dijk didn't hide it. He didn't sugar-coat it either. Anfield heard the truth on Saturday afternoon, and it didn't like it.

Liverpool, the defending champions, were held to a 1-1 draw by struggling Burnley, and were booed off their own pitch. Four league draws in a row. No wins at home against promoted sides for the first time since 1980-81.

Liverpool, ask Chelsea how – fewer chances, three points; more chances, one point

The numbers are ugly, but the feeling is even worse.

"Frustration is the word in my head," Van Dijk admitted. "After 60 minutes, we became sloppy. And it's not the first time."

The captain didn't point fingers. He pointed inward.

"We've spoken about it before. Apparently, we have to speak about it again. There is something lacking at the moment, and we have to change that."

Those words carried weight. Not just because Liverpool dropped points again, but because they were met by boos from the Kop.

"I don't like boos from my own fans," Van Dijk said quietly. "But that's the reality. And we need support."

Now, there's no time to lick wounds. Liverpool head to Marseille on Wednesday, walking straight into a hostile Velodrome and a Roberto De Zerbi team designed to suffocate you with the ball.

"It will be very difficult," Van Dijk warned. "Not only because of the atmosphere, but because of the way they play."

FALSE 10: Hollow swan song and last dance without grace

Liverpool are ninth in the Champions League standings - outside the safe zone. One more slip, and the long road gets longer.

There is, at least, one familiar figure returning. Mohamed Salah is back from the AFCON 2025.

"With his quality, he can win games," VVD said. "Mo is a very important member of our squad, on and off the pitch. Now he needs to help us."

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 22

Saturday

Man. United - Man. City 2-0 (0-0)

/Mbuemo 65, Dorgu 76/

Chelsea - Brentford 2-0 (1-0)

/Pedro 26, Palmer 76 pen/

Leeds - Fulham 1-0 (0-0)

/Nmecha 90+1/

Liverpool - Burnley 1-1 (1-0)

/Wirtz 42 - Edwards 65/

Sunderland - Crystal Palace 2-1 (1-1)

/Le Fee 33, Brobbey 71 - Pino 30/

Tottenham - West Ham 1-2 (0-1)

/Romero 64 - Summerville 15, Wilson 90+3/

Nott. Forest - Arsenal 0-0

Sunday

17.00: (4.80) Wolverhampton (4.00) Newcastle (1.75)

19.30: (1.70) Aston Villa (4.00) Everton (5.30)

Monday

23.00: (1.90) Brighton (3.80) Bournemouth (4.20)

***odds are subject to change***